Together, we create life-changing wishes for children with critical illnesses. This is the mission of Make-A-Wish® Nevada, the driving force behind everything we have accomplished and all we hope to accomplish in the years to come.
A mission that would not be possible without the generous support of people like you. Your unwavering support and generosity continue to transform dreams into reality, and we are truly honored to have you as partners in our mission.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your extraordinary commitment. Your contributions go far beyond financial support; they embody a spirit of compassion, hope, and joy that touches the lives of each family we serve. Your kindness and authenticity shine through in every wish you help fulfill, leaving a lasting impact on the hearts of those who need it most.
Each interaction you have with our families is a testament to your genuine care and dedication. You bring not only resources but also a profound sense of community and support. Your ability to connect with and uplift others is a rare and beautiful gift, one that we are endlessly grateful for.
As you turn the pages of this book, we hope you see the countless smiles, hear the laughter, and feel the joy that you have made possible. These stories of hope and happiness are a direct result of your benevolence, and we are privileged to share them with you.
Thank you, Moores, for being a beacon of light and hope. Your incredible generosity and heartfelt engagement with each family continue to inspire us all. We look forward to many more years of working together to make wishes come true.
You transform lives, one wish at a time. We cannot thank you enough.
With deepest gratitude,
Sheila Marcello Victor Senior Director of Development
Values & Impact
We grant life-changing wishes that help children heal through happiness. We believe wishes improve the odds for wish kids fighting critical illnesses. It’s why we do what we do. Sure, wishes are amazing and fun. More than that, they inspire and have the power to change lives. Wishes help kids look past their limitations, families overcome anxiety, and entire communities experience joy. Most importantly, wishes can improve a child’s quality of life, giving them a better chance of recovering.
We engage our entire community in the wish process, spreading happiness throughout Southern Nevada. A wish engages entire communities in life-changing moments. It inspires supporters, volunteers, medical professionals, and others to join us in helping children with critical illnesses. We strive to create stories that show them how they connect to these moments – and how these moments enrich their lives.
THE IMPACT OF A WISH
89% of health care professionals surveyed say they believe that the wish experience can influence wish kids’ physical health.
81% of parents observe an increased willingness by their wish kids to comply with treatment protocols.
96% of parents said that the wish strengthen their families.
74% of wish parents observed that the wish marked a turning point in their children’s response to treatment.
99% of parents reported that the wish experience gave their children increased feelings of happiness.
97% of wish families observe increases in their wish kids’ emotional health.
I wish to go to Hawaii
Benjamin, 16 brain tumor
MEET BENJAMIN
At 16, most kids are learning how to drive and ready to take on an extra bit of freedom in their daily lives. The road ahead for Benjamin at this age is not quite so freeing. The 16-year-old was diagnosed with a brain tumor in early 2021 and underwent an intense treatment plan that included brain surgery, radiation, and chemotherapy. He is currently undergoing surgery in his eyes for the damage caused by the tumor.
Funny, charismatic, and full of faith, Benjamin has stayed positive throughout this entire experience even under very difficult circumstances. Through it all, his family has stood by his side.
When asked about his one true wish, Benjamin asked to visit Hawaii and create unforgettable memories with his family. His dream is to watch breathtaking sunsets from his room with an ocean view. While in Hawaii, he wishes to immerse himself fully in island life by scuba diving, snorkeling, hanging out on the beach, visiting waterfalls, and more. There’s just something special about Hawaii that makes you relax so thoroughly, and Benjamin could really use that after the year he’s had. This would be a time for him to bond with his Ohana (family), a most certainly be a very special healing time for Benjamin that he can think fondly of in the future.
I want to especially thank the Moore family! I thank God for such wonderful, loving, and kind people who made all of this possible!
— Benjamin’s mom
Thanks to the Moore family, Benjamin was able to achieve his dream of going to Hawaii! Benjamin’s favorite part was being able to travel together as a family and make memories. He was so amazed with how beautiful Hawaii was. He is now inspired and realizing how much bigger life is and wants to see the world!
“To see him so happy and having so much fun with his brothers was the ultimate gift,” says Benjamin’s mom, “he went through so much during his treatments and this was just so wonderful to see him enjoying life.”
Benjamin and his family had the absolute best trip. The trip was exactly what he and his family needed!
“I want to thank every single person involved in making my son’s wish come true. Words truly can’t describe how thankful and grateful we are for foundations like this one,” says Benjamin’s mom,
I wish to have a Hello Kitty room makeover
Loriah, 8 brain tumor
MEET LORIAH
Meet Loriah, a super girly, hilarious, artistic eight-year-old. Loriah loves to laugh and crack jokes. She is very social and loves to meet new people! She loves coloring, drawing, and making clay models. She loves pink and anything girly. She is a true girly girl!
Loriah and her family received the news of Loriah’s brain tumor in September of 2023. The journey has been anything but easy. Loriah does her best to keep her spirits up and enjoy time with her family. She has had to go to Utah to receive treatment. She receives radiation on weekdays and takes medication daily.
When asked about her wish, Loriah knew exactly what she wanted! A Hello Kitty room makeover! She imagines Hello Kitty pictures, furniture, a new dresser, her own bed, LED lights, and to have her own space. Loriah has been a fan of Hello Kitty for as long as she can remember. This would be a dream come true for Loriah!
Thanks to the Moore family, Loriah’s wish became a reality! Her room was transformed into a Hello Kitty dream room! Her room was full of Hello Kitty stuffed animals, furniture, posters, lights, an LED sign, her own bed, desk and more! Loriah was over the moon and could not contain her excitement when she walked into her brand-new room that day. It was overwhelming for both Loriah and her family. Loriah’s dream coming true was also a dream coming true for her family! They could not be more grateful to the Moore family for helping make this happen!
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort
Christopher, 16 cancer
MEET CHRISTOPHER
When Christopher was asked to stop by The Wishing Place a week before his trip to Walt Disney World® Resort, he was taken by surprise when The Wishing Place appeared to be closed. However, he noticed a note on the door that gave him a clue, which told him to follow another clue and so on. He began to realize he was being taken on a scavenger hunt, fittingly with Star Wars references as he is a mega fan himself, which eventually led him to a surprise send-off party where Make-A-Wish Southern Nevada staff, board members, and volunteers gathered in celebration of his wish being granted!
In November 2019, Christopher and his family were shocked upon discovering his cancer diagnosis. A 16-year-old with a heart of gold, Christopher is creative teenager who finds solace in writing original stories, drawing, and playing video games with his friends. Despite having to adjust to his new routine of chemotherapy treatments and doctor’s visits, Christopher has never let the challenges of his diagnosis get the best of him.
Christopher has looked forward to experiencing a once in a lifetime trip to Walt Disney World and make lifelong memories with his parents and brother by his side.
To say Christopher’s wish was memorable is an understatement. From the plane ride to Orlando and getting to stay in Give Kids the World Village at Christmas time to visiting the parks at Walt Disney World® and riding the
Hogwarts Express to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Christopher’s trip was all he ever wanted and more. He especially looked forward to finally setting foot in Star Wars: Galaxy’s Edge and building his very own lightsaber, as any true Jedi Knight would.
“It has been a whirlwind going on Christopher’s wish trip and straight into Christmas,” reflects Christopher’s mom, Lori. “I don’t have the words, but gratitude and blessings come to mind first. The timing of this trip, even after his cancer treatment, held all the power of Christopher’s wish.”
Christopher’s wish couldn’t have come at a better time for him and his family. Not only was he able to spend quality time with his loved ones and not have to think about treatment, but his family also got to receive the Christmas vacation of their dreams.
It meant the world to our family to have this Wish and experience this journey together. It’s like we all took a deep breath once we arrived and came back home with a very thankful full heart.
— Christopher’s mom
I wish to go to Walt
Maggie, 3 genetic disorder
Disney World® Resort
MEET MAGGIE
Maggie’s is a special and sassy three-year-old girl. Maggie knows what she wants and is confident to let you know. She’s full of life and able to express the full range of her emotions. She enjoys meeting new people and hanging out with her parents, brother & sister. She loves to play with all things that light up, play music, and play with her many toys.
Maggie was diagnosed prenatally at 28 weeks with a genetic disorder. Her medical journey has been very difficult and overwhelming for the entire family. Maggie has been very strong and encouraging to others with her positive attitude.
Maggie’s current treatment consists of occupational therapy and physical therapy four times a week. She has a pro-care, hospice nurse once a week and a nurse four times a week. Maggie does receive palliative care through eight different specialists and receives oxygen when needed. She is on a ventilator, feeding tube, port, and heart catheter. She has endured a few surgeries including surgery for a esophageal tres/tes esophagus repair. She is preparing for a future surgery to replace her feeding tube. Maggie also uses an adaptive stroller for all her equipment.
Maggie’s perfect wish is to visit Disney World. Maggie and her family have been thru quite a medical journey and now that her condition is improving, they would love to travel to this magical place. Maggie loves Disney movies and songs. She especially loves Tangled and The Little Mermaid. Bringing Disney to life would be a dream come true for Maggie and her family.
Thanks to the Moore family, Maggie and her family had so much fun on their wish! Maggie’s mom was blown away by how amazing and accommodating everyone was, from their drivers to the airline crew! Maggie’s favorite part was to meet Mickey Mouse, Maggie’s family made the best memories and are so grateful to Make-A-Wish and the Moore family for making Maggie’s wish a reality.
It was absolutely amazing, and we had so much fun. Maggie particularly loved the firework show at Magic Kingdom - she could not stop smiling and laughing. She got her own engraved wand from Harry Potter world at Universal, an engraved ornament from Magic Kindom, and got a picture with Rey from Star Wars Land (Maggie’s middle name is Rey from Star Wars). She was so happy and smiling throughout the week. And Give Kids the World is amazing. I can’t say enough good things about that place. We were so thankful to have the opportunity to stay there.
— Maggie’s mom
I wish to go to
Zara, 4 leukemia
Walt Disney World® Resort
MEET ZARA
This past year has been difficult for four-year-old Zara. After being diagnosed with leukemia and getting 28 lumbar punctures, her medical journey has been intense, to say the least. With her rounds and rounds of chemo, Zara will be doing chemotherapy up until 2024. It’s easy to be sad at all this news, but for Zara, she’s persevering and doing well, and being the incredibly sweet child she’s always been.
Zara’s a bubbly and intelligent girl who loves meeting new people and talking to them. As a social butterfly, she can spend hours talking about Frozen and Mickey Mouse (her favorites!) or playing Mario video games. She likes playing with her dolls and stuffed animals, even going outside to play on the swings and slides.
All these things make her feel sunny, but what would make her the happiest is going to Disney World! Seeing all the rides and characters would make her dreams come true, especially if it was Big Thunder Mountain and Mickey and Minnie Mouse. The castle is also on her list, as she dreams of seeing it in all its beauty. Zara can’t wait to have the time of her life at Disney World!
Thanks to the Moore family, Zara’s family had an amazing time on their wish! Zara’s mom actually worked at Disney and volunteered at Give Kids the World a while back, so it was truly a full-circle moment for everyone! This was the family’s first vacation since Zara was diagnosed, and it was much needed. Zara loved meeting all the princesses, and even got to go to the Bippidi Bopiddi Boutique and become a princess! She also enjoyed trying all the fun foods, such as ice cream and mickey-shaped pretzels, which were a big hit. Mom shared that everyone they encountered, from cast members to Give Kids the World volunteers, were so kind, and they felt like royalty the entire time.
Leaving Orlando was super hard. It was seriously the most magical trip we have ever been on.
— Zara’s mom
I wish to have specialized mobility devices for my needs
Cameron, 3 nervous system disorder
MEET CAMERON
Although three-year-old Cameron is non-verbal and has developmental delays due to a nervous system disorder, he communicates by using noise and gestures. Due to the severity of his condition, he has nursing care orders for 60 hours and is receiving OT, ST, PT (through Therapy Bots), and musical therapy. His tight muscle tone has adversely affected his speech and movement. He is trying to crawl but cannot stand up or walk on his own. He has a tracheotomy and is fed through a G-tube.
Despite these setbacks, Cameron is a happy and very outgoing active kiddo. He enjoys doing fun things such as playing with his siblings, and playing with toys in his playpen. He also loves music, especially anything that both plays music and lights up.
Because Cameron is non-verbal, his family consulted with doctors and therapists to help determine a wish that would be most beneficial for him. They believe that new chairs for both inside and outside the home would benefit him greatly! The family shared that he had outgrown the special chair he was using inside and needed something with adequate padding and a harness for his safety. They also haven’t gone outside of the home very much since Cameron has also outgrown his current stroller and his feet nearly drag on the ground! This wish would allow for total comfort for Cameron and give him and his family the ability to go out and enjoy time with
friends and family, and give Cameron the support he needs.
On the day of Cameron’s reveal, he and his family arrived in a huge stretch SUV limousine. The family came around the corner and into The Wishing Place to find both chairs set up with big blue bows and toys on each of them for Cameron. Cameron’s mom and dad were truly overwhelmed at the support and at receiving both chairs. Mom shared that this was essential for making Cameron comfortable while outside of the home and they were excited to get them going and be able to go places more often. Mom was excited that once Cameron starts school, the stroller can also be strapped into the school bus. The family was very grateful to the Moore family for helping make this possible and shared that the cost of these types of chairs was beyond their means.
I wish to go to Hawaii
Elizabeth, 19 cancer
MEET ELIZABETH
Bright, bubbly, and happy, Elizabeth is a 19-year-old girl who has a heart of gold. Like every other 19-year-old girl, Elizabeth loves spending time with her friends and her family and going on drives to listen to music. Unlike most 19-year-olds, Elizabeth has been on a medical journey from the start of her life. Before Elizabeth was even born, she was diagnosed with Cystic Fibrosis. This initial diagnosis set Elizabeth and her family on a medical battle from the start, and they have been bravely battling since then.
Elizabeth has been put on six different medications and also has to undergo vest therapy. This therapy can be up to six times a day, depending on how Elizabeth feels. Despite some frustrations during treatments, Elizabeth has always kept a smile on her face and powered through. This young woman is stronger than most her age and deserves the recognition she has earned.
When asked what she wants her to wish to be, she answered with confidence, “to go on an adventure and try new things.” Her wish to go to Hawaii allows her to experience all kinds of new adventures and enjoy some nice relaxation time. We are so excited for Elizabeth and cannot wait to hear all about her trip.
Thanks to the Moore family, Elizabeth got to experience the relaxation and thrill of Hawaii! Elizabeth had the best time spending time with her family on the beach, going on adventures like parasailing, and enjoying Hawaii’s beauty! They had the best time and will never forget their amazing trip.
I wish to go to New York City
Kahron, 17 blood disorder
MEET KAHRON
Meet Kahron, a 17-year-old boy with the most incredible and sweet personality ever! He’s very outgoing, and his cheerful smile can light up an entire room! He also has a wide variety of interests and talents. Whether it be skateboarding, playing piano, or listening to music, there’s never a dull moment with Kahron! He loves his family very much, and they’re a team in everything they do. They try to help each other out and take care of each other in any way they can. And they’ve needed to do an extra special job taking care of each other ever since Kahron was diagnosed with a blood disorder.
He was diagnosed at birth, and it’s been a rollercoaster ever since. He’s spent the first few years of his life in the hospital, and he’s had more than his fair share of hospitalizations since. He has to see a hematologist every one to three months, and even more frequently than that if he’s had a hospitalization. He’s had many blood transfusions, but he’s been fortunate enough to not need any surgeries or special medical equipment. His sky has admittedly been a cloudy one at times, but his wish could be just the bright spot he’s looking for: to visit New York City.
He loves fashion and skateboarding, so he would love to experience the amazing sights and sounds in person. Whether it be the shopping spree of his dreams or skateboarding at an NYC skate park, he has a lot to be excited about. He’d love nothing more than to experience the amazing cuisine, unique culture in the city, and possibly even the unparalleled showmanship of Broadway! Visiting the Big Apple would most certainly be a once-ina-lifetime experience, and one that would bring so much joy to Kahron!
Thanks to the Moore family, Kahron got to live his New York dream! He had the absolute best time! His favorite part was seeing the Statue of Liberty and going to the Back to the Future show on Broadway. It was truly a trip to remember!
— Kahron’s mom
I wish to go to Hawaii
7 cancer
Farrah,
MEET FARRAH
Farrah is a very happy, outgoing, positive, smart, funny and witty second grader. She likes to meet new people, and draw and create. When she’s at home, she loves playing with her Barbies or if she wants a video game fix, playing Roblox or Minecraft.
December this year will mark one year since Farrah was diagnosed with cancer. Overall, she has been handling it pretty well, but her mom can tell when she’s anxious. Her treatment currently consists of overnight stays at the hospital for chemo every three weeks and weekly clinic visits.
Before she was diagnosed, Farrah and her family had multiple trips planned, but all of those plans were halted when the family had to hunker down and
make sure Farrah was ok. Now that she is feeling much better and at a good place in her treatment schedule, she is so excited to resume planning for a tropical vacation! Her wish is to go to Hawaii and it’s the perfect place for Farrah! She loves animals and is hoping to see dolphins in real life! Going with Farrah on her wish will be her parents, younger brother, and Sprinkles, her favorite cat plushie that has been by her side through her cancer journey.
I wish to go to Hawaii
Elizabeth, 13 cystic fibrosis
MEET ELIZABETH
Being a 13-year-old girl is no walk in the park. There are a lot of changes to deal with, new and evolving friendships at school, and the overall transition from being a child into an adult. It’s not easy, but as most of us know, it’s a crucial phase of our lives. Now, imagine having to deal with a medical condition on top of all that comes with being a teenager. Local Las Vegan, Elizabeth, knows what that experience is like first-hand. Elizabeth, a 13-year-old girl, has cystic fibrosis and has had it since she was just four months old.
Cystic fibrosis is a very rare disease that damages your lungs, digestive tract and other organs. Fewer than 20,000 people in the U.S. are diagnosed with it annually and typically it’s an inherited disease caused by a defective gene that can be passed from generation to generation. Elizabeth’s mother’s cousin has Cystic Fibrosis, so her family was aware it was a possibility when Elizabeth’s mother was pregnant. Currently, Elizabeth is undergoing preventative treatments for CF. When she is sick, she does vest and nebulizer treatments six or seven times a day. Due to her weakened immune system, changes in the weather also result in her staying home from school as not to put herself at risk of getting sick. When this happens, a teacher from CCSD stops by to ensure she is caught up on her assignments.
Having CF does not bring Elizabeth down though! She is often described as a “Little Adult”. She is spunky and loves
family time, with lots of siblings to have fun with. Her hobbies include watching YouTube videos, cooking, running and listening to hip-hop music.
Elizabeth wishes to go to Hawaii with her entire family! She has nine immediate family members, and although she has gone to Hawaii once before, she wants to experience the beaches and surfing with them. She is so excited to build new memories in a place that she loves!
Thanks to The Moore Family, Hawaii was the dream they were waiting for and more. Her Hawaiian vacation went as planned, as if being on an island isn’t fun enough, Elizabeth and her family rode to their hotel in a limo. When they were shown their hotel room, a flood of joy hit them, they said it was beautiful. Elizabeth went surfing and was fearless, she also went parasailing, and snorkeling. During her stay, she ran into other wish kids as well. Overall, it was a 10/10 experience she will never forget.
I wish to go to Walt Disney World® Resort Elena, 10 leukemia
